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The latest rumors from abroad are claiming that Apple will launch three new smartphones in 2013 including: a next-generation iPhone, a cheaper model handset, and a surprise large-format device with a 4.8-inch screen tentatively dubbed the “iPhone Math.” The China Times, citing upstream supply chain sources, reports that Apple will be unveiling the three iPhones at staggered launches throughout the year, with the first two being the next-generation iPhone and the 4.8 “phablet” (phone/tablet) device. The sources are claiming a third model with a 12-megapixel camera will debut before the holiday season, though not much is known about the product at this time.

The next-generation iPhone seems inevitable and many recent reports have suggested Apple may be debuting a more affordable handset this year. This report was the first time the “iPhone Math” was mentioned and truth be told, it seems highly unlikely that Apple would release such a device. While details of the mystery device’s specifications remain scarce, sources claim it will feature a large display measuring at least 4.8 inches diagonally. Specs such as the form-factor and screen resolution remain unknown but the device is said to be sporting a 12-megapixel camera with lenses built by Largan Precision. The name doesn’t seem very logical, neither does the June launch date the device is said to have, especially given the issues that Apple seems to be having with the iPhone 5’s 4-inch display.

The cheaper more cost-effective iPhone, albeit leaving many skeptical, seems to be a possibility as many are pointing towards Apple needing to make a presence in the emerging markets such as China. Reports have been pointing towards specific parts and manufacturer deadlines for said device as well as the next-generation iPhone. It should be noted that rumors, especially ones from overseas, should all be taken with a grain of salt as very few of them come to fruition.

Ultimately, we’ll need to be patient and see what Apple announces and releases by being patient.

To me there is only so much more they can do with a phone. The first iphone changed the way we look at mobile phones forever. It was a revolutionary device. I find it difficult to think of what apple, or any other phone company, can come up with or innovate that will have the same impact as the iphone 1 did. I'm fine with apple releasing new phones with the latest hardware and technology. The look of the phone isn't nearly as important as how it functions IMO. Everybody wants to see new iphone design but does it really matter? Some people care more about showing off the newest, coolest iphone. But what good is that unless your ready to shell out 500 2-3 times a year

"iPhone Math" is a mistranslation. IPhone Plus is what the site was trying to say, which is a better, but still bad name. Also this is one of the craziest rumors ever. If i bought an iPhone in july that was obsoleted in 5 months id be furious, also, WHY WOULD APPLE MAKE A 4.8" iPHONE! That would just create fragmentation, and iOS apps blown up that big would just be plain stupid. Worst rumor ever.

I for one will be happy to purchase a 4.8" iPhone. I think having an option to purchase several sizes is a great idea because if true, it will hold on to those that would otherwise move on to a larger device made by another company.

Originally Posted by ByteArt

...If i bought an iPhone in july that was obsoleted in 5 months id be furious....

How would the phone you bought 5 months ago be "obsolete"? It's that kind of childish attitude companies rely on.... People like you that feel they need to have the newest "it" thing the second it comes out. Your 5 month old phone will do exactly the same thing it did before the new device was released, don't worry. It worked great for you the first 5 months it will work just as great for you 5 months plus a day.

When I said the 5 month old phone would be obsoleted I didn't mean because it was old, I mean because if apple decided to make a significantly larger iPhone, and abandon the mantra they have stuck to for the last 5 years it would be aggravating to buy a 5s, which Apple would undoubtedly call "the best iPhone ever" only to be told 5 months later that all the Attributes of the phone you just purchased are useless. I owned an iPhone 4 for 2 and a half years, and I didn't need to buy a 4s because the 4s stuck with the same Apple ethos, but releasing a radically different phone so soon after releasing a spec bump like the proposed 5s is likely to be would alienate the people who are most devoted to apple, like myself. I say this not because the "iPhone plus" would be new, but because it would represent a major change of what an iPhone is, and that would make the old, 4" iPhone obsolete. Developers would undoubtedly focus on the new device, and very quickly you would have a phone running outdated, or at the very least rarely updated 3rd party software.

Actually their keeping with the competition, Samsung has 3-4 new phones on the market, so why not release 3 new models, I think it's smart why to start of the 1Q of 2013, I'm glad I held off dorm buy the ip5.

I tend to agree with Norb. Also, the article for the Google chief where he advised that Apple is trying to compete instead of revolutionize is coming to mind. They are getting too caught up in incremental updates instead of the BIG BANG so to speak. I know you can't revolutionize with every single idea. At the same time, when was the last time an iPhone feature wowed you?? Just saying..Im hoping for better days and not just phones that compete with Android. I could care less about Android, I just want a great phone experience for what I pay.

If they come out w/ a wider larger phone I will be happy. I have big hands. Of course, thats probably not going to happen though. Every year there is a rumor about Apple coming out w/ 2-3 different phones and every year me along w/ the people that are tired/bored of the lagging/buggy AVOID OS get disappointed.

I mean a new type of iOS would be dope as well. I'm all for a larger phone though....

If they just add cellular capacity to the iPod Touch, keep the name iPod, raise the price to $250, keep it in the same factories, sell it the same ways they can have a lesser iPhone for all this "demand".

It's answers the "need" for an off contract phone for only $250 and can limit the effects on their current products. And, at $250 it's higher so you still have to consider the benefit over the subsidized contract based $200 iPhone 5 or the free iPhone 4 which both have better specs.

It works great in this country for all people who use pre-paid credit cards, won't sign a contract for a phone, have poor credit, and simply don't feel the need to for top of the line iPhone. Many of these people already have an iPod Touch.

"iPhone Math" is a mistranslation. IPhone Plus is what the site was trying to say, which is a better, but still bad name. Also this is one of the craziest rumors ever. If i bought an iPhone in july that was obsoleted in 5 months id be furious, also, WHY WOULD APPLE MAKE A 4.8" iPHONE! That would just create fragmentation, and iOS apps blown up that big would just be plain stupid. Worst rumor ever.

I don't know, it seems like a lot of people are leaving Apple because they want a bigger screen, so I wouldn't doubt if they made one with a bigger screen. I know Steve was against it, but now that he's gone it is more likely to happen.

Absolutely. While the desktop and folder scheme haven't really changed (that can pretty much be said for computing as a whole), they've definitely tweaked the UI over time. Have you pulled up a screenshot of a 10.0 desktop recently and compared it to 10.8? Mountain Lion looks so much more refined.

Regardless, I think that's not a fair comparison. We're not talking desktop UI's we're talking mobile. This is a relatively new space and it's one that is maturing in leaps and bounds. I've owned every version of the iPhone and can say that, for me at least, the UI is starting to feel a little stale. Android is really making some great strides and is a great competitor. If Apple isn't careful, they could get left behind. I'm with them until the end, but I'd sure love to see something blow my mind like the first time I picked up the first iPhone (though I'm not sure if that's even possible).

So who's stealing whos ideas now? The iPad mini is stolen from Android tablets and now the "iPhone Math" is stolen from Galaxy Note.

What idea will Apple steal next?

Thats very true, Im always reading in here and there is always the person who says, why do i need a bigger screen for. thats what most iphone users said until the 5 came out. now thats there is a rumor of a bigger device i bet you no one wants a 3.5 screen anymore. apple is the worst company ever, they only give you a bit of technology so they can have you buying better devices later on with a bit better hardware. not to mention software, they also make their older devices run slower than before so you can upgrade, ohh and once you upgrade your firmware you cant downgrade. also there is more samsung gossip on this website that on actual android forums.